I
f you want your butterfly garden to thrive and come alive, there is one
simple technique that will help you. When you put the right plant in the right
place, you ensure that those plants will flourish. The first step is to know
your zone, your plant hardiness zone that is. This will tell you, that the
plants you choose, will enjoy and embrace their home. When your flowers are at
their peak their power to attract butterflies is magnetic.

Keep the butterflies coming by selecting perennials. Picture your garden as a
canvas. A canvas, upon which, you are going to
paint a picture that is rich in colour, texture and variety. Select perennials and the butterflies will come back the following year, and maybe more. When they return the flowers will beckon the butterflies to them.

When you can, spend time observing
gardens where the butterflies are plentiful. How many different butterflies are
there, species, variety? Which butterflies visit and stay at which plants?

To complete the painting and achieve a visual symmetry, determine if you can  tie your
garden into existing features of your home and lawn such as paths, pond(s),
hedges or walls? Is it to be a border viewed from one side, or an island that
is to be viewed from several directions?

Is it to be formal in design and
content, or a more informal mixed border or "cottage" garden? Will it
be mostly in the sun or in the shade?  The answers to these questions will shape your
selection of plants and their arrangement, as well.